About Me

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Barbara Techel is the author of the multi-award winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series. When her dachshund, Frankie, suffered a spinal injury, Barbara had her custom-fitted for a wheelchair. Frankie persevered, and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to share Frankie and give others hope and inspiration to be the best they can be. Along with sharing Frankie’s story with children, Barbara and Frankie routinely volunteer as a therapy dog team at a local hospital, senior assisted facility, and hospice community, spreading joy wherever they go.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Wiener Resolutions


This is Adley's thinker pose--he's very intent on accomplishing his resolutions this year!

Article and photo reprinted from Who's your Dachshund, Ten Bloggers, Sixteen Dachshunds, One blog

As much as I revere my pups and think they're brilliant, I am pretty sure that they have no idea that the new year is rapidly approaching, but if they did, I believe these would be their resolutions:

1.Eat more, and perfect those puppy eyes so we get treats every time we go in the crate. We do need to pad up for our move to the cold north, after all.
2.Lick more. Nails, post shower skin, rawhides, you name it.
3.Learn to hide things from each other better. It's so annoying when the other one finds my bone--wasn't hiding it under the blanket thorough enough?
4.Find more shoes and sandals to destroy. We haven't done this in a few months--isn't it time to pick up the slack?
5.Perfect our howling. We're obviously not loud enough if our mom and dad don't turn right back around to coddle us upon leaving home.
6.Teach Radish to burrow better. It gets old when we have to wait for our mom and dad to lift the blanket for her. We demand immediate access to warmth.
7.Provide more dog blog fodder. We're funny critters, right? RIGHT?
This is Adley's thinker pose--he's very intent on accomplishing his resolutions this year!

That's all they've got this year! What are your pups' resolutions?

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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Art Showcase Offers Children Unique Opportunity to Share Lessons Learned

Author Yvonne Perry announces an online art and writing showcase and asks children to write a story or create an art piece to showcase life lessons they have learned.

Nashville, TN—After a successful 30-day Internet tour in which she visited more than 25 blogs to share her new book, Yvonne Perry has opened the lines of communication between parents and children with a online community project. Children ages 3 through 9 are encouraged to write their own story or create artwork that demonstrates a lesson they have learned by reading The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children (ISBN: 9780982572207). Every participant will get a free copy of the e-book comprised of the art and stories created by the children.

Inspired by adventures Yvonne has enjoyed with her first-born grandson named Sidney, each story in The Sid Series focuses on skills such as overcoming fear, being environmentally conscious, helping others, being true to one’s self, and following inner guidance. There’s even a story about recycling that alludes toward organ donation. This collection of body-mind-spirit stories highlights unique lessons about love, acceptance, self-worth, caring for the body, diversity, facing fears, dealing with change, experiencing the death of a pet, using mystical gifts today’s children exhibit.

To participate you must be familiar with the lessons taught in The Sid Series, but if a family is financially unable to purchase a copy of the book, you may let the author know which lesson your child wants to illustrate or write about, and she will send you a PDF of that story. For a list of stories and lessons contained in The Sid Series, see http://TheSidSeries.com.

“Spending time with my grandchildren has provided me with an opportunity to talk about some pretty adult topics—some that many parents and teachers are hesitant to discuss with children,” says Yvonne Perry, the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services. “By sharing the stories in The Sid Series through this art showcase, I hope to reinforce and enhance these and other life lessons, and help open lines of communication between children and adults.”

Children may share a story by drawing, painting, sketching, writing, or speaking about how they learned or experienced a Sid lesson. Parents are asked to assist the child with typing, scanning, and digitally uploading their child’s story or artwork . The child may color a picture directly from The Sid Series Coloring Book or record himself reading from the book by calling (214) 615-6505 ext 1210. Yvonne believes this is a great way to learn what’s on your child’s mind and offer supportive answers for their earnest questions. Entries may be sent between December 26, 2009 and January 25, 2010 by using the guidelines at http://writersinthesky.com/art-showcase.html

“The art showcase is NOT a contest,” says Perry. “I don't believe children should be judged or rejected for their heart-felt creativity. Instead, every effort will be recognized and everyone's work will be included on The Sid Series blog (http://TheSidSeries.blogspot.com) and in an e-book that can be given away to family and friends.”

A grandmother of ten, Yvonne holds a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics from American Institute of Holistic Theology. She is a freelance writer who specializes in articles and books that guide people on a spiritual path. She is also the publisher and editor at Write On! Publishing and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services. Yvonne and her team assist people with writing and editing projects, as well as media releases. She has also ghostwritten and edited more than forty books.

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Contact

Yvonne Perry

(615) 415-9861

http://writersinthesky.com/contact.php
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Monday, December 28, 2009

Expressing the Bladder of a Paralyzed Dog



Ok, so I know, talking about our bodily functions can be kinda gross... but, hey, we all gotta do it, right? And since I happen to be a paralyzed dog, I need a little help on that end (pun intended!)

But here is your chance to help spread a positive message by sharing this video! Now that is a good thing, right? When I first became paralyzed my poor mom had a hard time figuring out when I had to go... so we had lots of messes, well, err, I had lots of messes. But with a little practice, my mom became a pro at helping me go to the bathroom. And you know what? I love her very much for that. You see, sadly, many dogs are put to sleep when they become paralyzed. Their mom and dad are afraid they may not be able to learn how to help their paralyzed dog go to the bathroom.

So my mom and I were very excited when we were asked to be a part of this very well done video on showing others how easy it really can be... you just have to practice... and isn't that like all things in life? We learn by practicing.

So here is where you can help!! Share this video with your local vets, with other pet parents, with your local humane societies, etc. Arf-a-roo! Thanks for your help!!

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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Best Christmas Gift of 2009




Mom and I gave a copy of my newest book, Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House to each of my "cousins" on Christmas Eve. My Dad is the only boy in his family with 5 sisters, so the family get togethers can be very loud and fun. But that didn't stop my cousins from sitting in the middle of the living room floor reading my new book. How hot-diggity cool is that??!! It made this dog feel very, very special.

I gave them each an extra copy so they too can make a difference, like one of the theme's of my book talks about. So Mom gave them suggestions on how they could donate the extra book, or to come up with an idea of their own.

So here are pictures of my cousins... they are the BEST and this was the BEST Christmas Gift of 2009!!